Description

VE.Direct (Phoenix) Inverters

The VE.Direct inverter is a compact sinewave inverter and can be purchased in 12, 24 or 48 Volt DC models. The inverter outputs range from 250, 375, 500, 800 and 1200 VA. The Phoenix line of inverters can be purchased with specific outlet sockets depending on what will be plugged into this inverter. These include: Schuko, UK, AUS/NZS, IEC-320 and for the US market – NEMA 5-15R, and GFCI (NEMA). Each style will have a unique part number.

When choosing this inverter, you must also include a charger(s) for your battery. Victron offers their Blue Smart IP-22. 115/230V input with 12 Volt output.  12V Chargers can be purchased in 15, 20 or 30 Amp outputs. In most all cases, we would recommend getting the 30A model. 24 Volt models come with 8, 12 and 16 Amp outputs.  The number of chargers needed will depend upon the size of your inverter.  To understand the need for multiple chargers, please read the blog post about building a 640 W UPS.  Multiple BlueSmart IP22 chargers can be linked together by creating “their own network” so they act as one charger.  These chargers have an adaptive 6 stage charging algorithm and will work with either AGM or LFP (Lithium) batteries.

When purchasing these chargers, you will need to select the 115 or 230 Volt input and either 12 OR 24 Volt DC output.  In addition, for 230V chargers, you will also need to select your choice of country specific plug style (Schuko, UK, Au/Nz). 

These VE.Direct (Phoenix) inverters with IP22 charger(s) would work very well as an “on-line UPS”.  This type of online UPS first converts the incoming AC power to DC, and is continuously running the inverter to produce clean AC power. If your AC power is particularly “dirty” or if you have very sensitive equipment, this can be an advantage, but most computers can handle fairly dirty power.   Costs for these inverters are approximately $150 – $300.  The BlueSmart IP22 estimated cost is $200.

Part Number conventions for the Phoenix Inverter and IP22 charger.  The following part numbers given are the VE.Direct Phoenix 12 Volt inverters with the last item being the BlueSmart IP22 Charger 12V/30A.  Victron does offer a greater selection.  

Phoenix 12/500  PIN121501200 Schuko; PIN121501400 UK; PIN121501300 AU/NZ

Phoenix 12/800  PIN121801200 Schuko; PIN121801400 UK; PIN121801300 AU/NZ

Phoenix 12/1200 PIN122121200 Schuko; PIN122121400 UK; PIN122121300 AU/NZ

IP22 Charger 12/30A BPC123047002 Schuko; BPC123047022 UK; BPC123047012 AU/NZ

NOTE: Unless you need the “on line UPS” functionality, any Inverter system at or above 1200 VA, would be better (cost-wise) to use the MultiPlus line of Inverter / chargers. The wiring complexity and cost of more than two BlueSmart IP22 chargers plus the Inverter will cost more than one MultiPlus inverter/charger with the same or greater VA rating. 

Victron has a lot of dealers worldwide, you may be able to purchase Victron equipment locally. If not, contact us and we can purchase it for you and ship almost anywhere in the world.

Our team in North Carolina has experience with Victron equipment and can help you verify the get it all hooked up and configured correctly. Email us at power_systems@sil.org if you’d like setup help, a price quote, or if you just need help deciphering all the model numbers and choosing the right model.